Most of the time, I stick to tall boots in cooler weather because flats just don’t keep my feet warm — my feet are always cold! But sometimes, tall boots just aren’t ideal, and in those cases I’m often stuck with no other option.

At least I thought so until I saw these outdoorsy booties (left) and these wedge booties (right)! For me, they have to be black. But the ones on the left are also offered in a light shade of gray, and MySpringShoes.com has a variety of ankle booties in brown, too.

After initially spotting these two pairs, I scoured the internet for similar booties elsewhere. Honestly, all the other pairs I found didn’t compare to these (in my mind), but I did find a cute pair with shearling lining at Charlotte Ruse. And another stylish pair of lace-ups at Forever21.

Right now, my heart is set on the pair pictured upper left, but $69.99 isn’t quite in my budget, so I’ll have to keep looking or wait for them to go on sale! Or perhaps they’ll be the latest addition to my ever-growing Christmas Wish List…

-Keri

I’m a snow bunny. To be clear, what I mean is that I don’t ski, snowboard, or take part in strenuous activities like snowmobiling or snowshoeing. What I do (and do very well!) is sip cocoa in front of a warm fireplace and sincerely admire those outside taking part in these activities!

Since I don’t participate in traditional winter sports, I have developed a winter  “look” that is sporty but notseriously sporty (meaning no silk long johns, thermal fleece or arctic-extreme parkas for me!). That’s why I love to wear traditional “ugg style boots” or traditional “Australian sheepskin boots.”  They may look sporty, but really they are cozy, comfortable and super stylish.

Recently, I was excited to be introduced to Whooga boots because they fit my aesthetic so perfectly. Whooga is an Australian alternative fashion label that is the fastest growing winter boot brand in the world! My frosty toes now have a fabulous option when it comes to choosing an authentic sheepskin boot!

One of the things that sets boots by Whooga apart from other sheepskin boots is the –firm’s use of ThermoFleece™ —  a very special grading of extremely thick and plush leathers. The result is a great fit, and these boots are warmer and more luxurious than typical ugg style boots. Plus, each and every pair of Whooga boots is constructed by hand, stitch by stitch, with amazing attention to detail.

Whooga has a wonderful selection of boots – everything from classic tall,  to classic short,  and even mini heights. There is also a wonderful array of colors including neutrals like chestnut, chocolate, black and gray, as well as fashion colors like gold, pink and even violet! Retail $114 – $124 US.

In addition to popular women’s boots, they also have boots for men and even for kids!

The best part about Whooga (and maybe the reason they are growing so quickly!) is their 100% Satisfaction Assurance because they are just that confident that everyone who tries on a pair of Whooga boots will be satisfied! If you do not love your boots, let them know and they’ll organize a full refund – it’s really simple!

To order, simply visit Whooga – you’ll be glad you did. Now, can someone please pass this hot cocoa?

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game!, Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photo courtesy of Whooga.

Like you, I’m a busy woman. In addition to writing several blogs, overseeing marketing and public relations for the Whimsy Worldwide jewelry company, and running the literacy non-profit Success Won’t Wait, I also have a husband, three kids, a dog and two cats. Whew!

As a lifelong fashionista I’ve had to learn to take some shortcuts regarding clothing choices to save time without compromising style. During a typical day, I often have to dash out at a moments’ notice to: a) go to the bank, b) pick up a child at a game/practice/sleepover, or even c) get more milk (Yes. I forgot, again.).

Since I don’t want to appear in public looking… ahem…frumpy, I found the perfect solution – the Laurene V-neck poncho from Affordable Scarves.com. Capes, ponchos, and shawls are without question some of this fall’s hottest trends. I first noticed it when I saw Kate Hudson in a striking Louise Vuitton poncho on the pages of InStyle magazine and filed it away for future thought. Then, just last month, Glamour magazine gushed about “24 Completely Cool Ponchos” as part of their Fall Fashion Trends 2010 piece and I knew this was a trend I couldn’t ignore!

For me, a poncho is easier to wear than a shawl – no falling off of your shoulders — and I prefer the look to a cape, which actually seems more like a winter coat substitute. This poncho is simple to wear and can easily take your outfit from drab to fab just by slipping it over your head. It’s the perfect cover up when you need to dash out quickly – and it covers a multitude of sins!

The Laurene is available in two sophisticated colors – the warm camel pictured and classic go-with-anything black. With ribbed trim and a cross-over V-neck, the stylish Laurene will keep you looking great all the way through the winter! Retail $17.95, On Sale Now $15.26!

While you are at AffordbleScarves.com, make sure you check out the tons (and tons!) of animal print scarves, floral scarves, wraps, and infinity scarves – these are all right on trend and oh-so-affordable. The firm even has a brand-new site called Scarves.net which is dedicated to showing all the different ways to tie those scarves!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game!, Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photo courtesy of AffordableScarves.com

Disclaimer: In order to fully evaluate this product, I received a sample Laurene poncho, retail value $15.26. No other compensation was received. The opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by AffordableScarves.com

I’ve been reading a lot recently that the wristwatch is “dead.” Those 25 and under simply don’t wear watches, but rely on cell phones to tell time proclaim these articles. The one thing these pieces don’t mention (and to be honest, I am referring to semi-nerdy publications like Computerworld and IT Professional) is that a wristwatch is a serious vehicle for showcasing personal style.

I am old enough to remember when Swatch watches were the rage (my grandmother brought me back one from Switzerland and I was in transports of joy since the style wasn’t available in the US!). Up until then, watches fell into two categories: dressy and casual. I had the requisite “dress watches” in yellow and white gold, as well as a men’s Timex on a grosgrain band for everyday. Suddenly the way we saw the wristwatch was completely changed – watches were sporty, colorful, fun!

So, when I first saw the new Jelly Watch from TOYWATCH I knew we were on the threshold of yet another revolution in wristwatches.

Jellies are adorable. Simply pick a watch color from among 10 choices and then the real fun begins. You can choose from a selection of straps the include kicky brights like electric green, Pepto Bismol pink, lemon, and fire engine red. Or opt for a more staid black, white, or grey. There are 110 combinations!

The Jelly Watch has a Plasteramic case/bezel and a rubber strap with an ultra soft matte finish. At 40 mm (1.60 inch) they are substantial enough to make a statement on your wrist (especially when you’ve chosen a jailbird orange watch with a bright teal strap!)

Each watch comes with a matching strap. Watch Retail $175. Then, you can choose from a rainbow of strap colors. Simply pop and swap for a totally different look. Additional Strap Retail $65.

The TOYWATCH phenomenon includes not only the amazing Jelly Watches, but a tremendous selection of other styles like the Ceramic Watch Collection, a Plasteramic Watch Collection, the Heavy Metal Watch Collection, and more. Timepieces from TOYWATCH have been featured in every major style publication from Instyle, to Vogue, to Lucky.

Plus, the firm’s watches have adorned the wrists of dozens (and dozens!) of celebrities – everyone from Dakota Fanning, to Katie Holmes, to Oprah Winfrey loves this brand.

Watches from TOYWATCH are available in more than 300 fine stores, including Barney’s, Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdales. A  store locator is available on the firm’s website or you can even shop online at TOYWATCH.

I’d say “the time is ripe” for a fab new watch by TOYWATCH! What do you think?

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game!, Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photo courtesy of TOYWATCH.